My own career path was inspired by my undergraduate research experiences at Dickinson College and PSU-Hershey. I have been a passionate advocate for undergraduate research opportunities my entire career. I founded the student research office and the student research conference at Austin College and now work fulltime in higher education administration of undergraduate research programs at UNCC. I have also been a Councilor, divisional representation, and Board member for the Council on Undergraduate Research.Previously, I was a 20 year member of the Biology department at Austin College, where I taught courses primarily related to the fields of immunology, cellular biology, and research methods. I was an active undergraduate research mentor and advocate for undergraduate research experiences. I have mentored over 80 students in the lab during my career including 15 students who completed Honors theses. I have sent graduates of my lab into the work force as well as to M.S., P.A., D.O., M.D., Ph.D., and M.D./Ph.D. programs all over the country.Research: Understanding the regulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis, gene expression, and cellular immune responses by proteasomes in eukaryotic cells.During my time at Austin College, I developed and co-taught a course on the science and culture of wine through Austin College's experiential January term program. I became a Certified Specialist of Wine and have 10 years of experience as a wine educator. Specialties: undergraduate education and research